Alabama emerges as SEC frontrunner in updated College Football Playoff projections, Indiana on the rise
After a significant week in college football, Alabama has positioned itself as the top SEC contender amidst changes in the College Football Playoff landscape, while Indiana also earns a spot in the spotlight following an impressive victory.
Believing in Indiana yet? Saturday’s road win over Oregon – the first in program history for the Hoosiers against a top-five team – should be plenty of proof that Curt Cignetti’s team is among the College Football Playoff frontrunners this season from the Big Ten.
Indiana’s potential seed is enhanced several spots in our updated playoff bracket projection after Week 7, along with Alabama as the new SEC favorite following its win at previously unbeaten Missouri. The Crimson Tide have now beaten three straight top 25 teams under Kalen DeBoer, something Nick Saban only did once during his illustrious tenure at the program.
USC, meanwhile, makes its debut in the playoff bracket following its victory over Michigan. The Trojans are making a move under Lincoln Riley and pushed into the mix following a shake-up within the SEC. Previously unbeaten Oklahoma, facing the nation’s toughest slate, suffered a critical loss against Texas and still has a number of elite competition left.
College Football Playoff
Quarterfinals
| Date | Game / Location | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1 | Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. | (1) Miami vs. (8/9) Winner |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif. | (2) Ohio State vs. (7/10) Winner |
| Jan. 1 | Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La. | (3) Alabama vs. (6/11) Winner |
| Dec. 31 | Cotton Bowl Arlington, Texas | (4) Texas Tech vs. (5/12) Winner |
First round
| Date | Location | Projection | Winner faces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 19 or 20 | Kyle Field College Station, Texas | (8) Texas A&M vs. (9) USC | (1) Miami |
| Dec. 19 or 20 | Autzen Stadium Eugene, Ore. | (7) Oregon vs. (10) Georgia | (2) Ohio State |
| Dec. 19 or 20 | Vaught-Heminway Stadium Oxford, Miss. | (6) Ole Miss vs. (11) Georgia Tech | (3) Alabama |
| Dec. 19 or 20 | Memorial Stadium Bloomington, Ind. | (5) Indiana vs. (12) South Florida | (4) Texas Tech |
Projected College Football Playoff Field breakdown
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Miami (projected ACC champion): Tied with Alabama for tops in the country with three wins over ranked opponents, that might be it for the Hurricanes until the ACC Championship Game if they win out. Miami hosts Louisville next Friday, one of its toughest remaining contests during conference play.
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Ohio State (projected Big Ten champion): The Buckeyes allowed their first rushing touchdown of the season, but largely stellar play in all three phases resulted in a ranked win over the Illini. After Penn State’s fall from the top 25, the only ranked opponent left on the slate for Ohio State is Michigan in the regular-season finale. Like Miami, the schedule’s opening up for further dominance.
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Alabama (projected SEC champion): A completely different team than they were six weeks ago following a loss at Florida State, the Crimson Tide are performing well under Kalen DeBoer with three straight top 25 wins in SEC play. The schedule remains challenging, but if Ty Simpson continues his strong play and Alabama’s defense delivers late in games, this group has a chance to make the league title game – and win.
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Texas Tech (projected Big 12 champion): The Red Raiders surged to a three-touchdown lead in the first half against Kansas before needing to steady the ship after intermission to maintain their unbeaten status as the Big 12’s lead playoff threat. With Oregon’s loss to Indiana, Texas Tech moves into first-round bye status this week.
